Blackberry plant named ‘APF-190T’

ABSTRACT

Description and specifications of a new and distinct blackberry cultivar named ‘APF-190T’ which originated from seed produced by a hand-pollinated cross of Arkansas selections A-2293T (non-patented, unreleased genotype)×APF-49T (non-patented, unreleased genotype) is provided. This new blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by its early ripening, medium to large fruit with consistent shape and size with good quality, thornless canes with excellent plant health, and primocane-fruiting habit.

Latin name: Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson.

BACKGROUND

The new primocane-fruiting cultivar of blackberry called ‘APF-190T’ isdescribed herein. The new cultivar originated from a hand-pollinatedcross of Arkansas selections A-2293T (unpatented selection)×APF-49T(unpatented selection) made in 2004. The seeds resulting from thiscontrolled hybridization were germinated in a greenhouse in the springof 2005 and planted in a field near Clarksville, Ark. (West-CentralArkansas). The seedlings fruited in the summer of 2008 and one seedling,designated ‘APF-190T’, was selected. It was selected for its earlyripening, medium to large fruit with consistent shape and size with goodquality, thornless canes with excellent plant health, andprimocane-fruiting habit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The new and distinct cultivar of blackberry originated from ahand-pollinated cross of Arkansas selections A-2293T (non-patented,unreleased genotype; female)×APF-49T (non-patented, unreleased genotype;male) made in 2004 and located near Clarksville, Ark. (West-CentralArkansas). The botanical designation of the new cultivar of blackberryis Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson.

The seeds resulting from this controlled hybridization were germinatedin a greenhouse in the winter to early spring of 2005 and planted in afield near Clarksville, Ark. The seedlings fruited in the summer of 2008on floricanes and one seedling, designated ‘APF-190T’, was selected forits early ripening, medium to large fruit with consistent shape and sizewith good quality, thornless canes with excellent plant health, andprimocane-fruiting habit.

During 2008, the original plant selection was propagated asexually fromroot cuttings at the above-noted location, and a test row of 30 plantswas established. Subsequently, a larger test planting was establishedwith asexually multiplied plants at two locations in Arkansas.Additionally, the cultivar has been tested at a test plot inWatsonville, Calif., established from plants propagated from the testplot plants near Clarksville, Ark.

The new cultivar has been asexually multiplied annually since 2008 bythe use of root cuttings and by rooting adventitious shoots from rootcuttings. It forms new shoots from adventitious buds on root cuttingsreadily. During all asexual multiplication, the characteristics of theoriginal plant have been maintained and no aberrant phenotypes haveappeared.

Its primocane fruiting performance is substantially better in moremoderate summer climates such as Watsonville, Calif., as evidenced bylarger fruit weight and higher yields compared to Clarksville, Ark. Thecultivar differs from most blackberry cultivars which are floricanefruiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new varietyin color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a colorillustration of this character. The plants shown in the figures are allthree years of age.

FIG. 1 is a photograph of five individual floricane fruit taken in June,near Clarksville, Ark. of ‘APF-190T’.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of fruits borne on a floricane taken in June nearClarksville, Ark. of ‘APF-190T’.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of primocane flowers and flower buds taken inJuly near Clarksville, Ark. of ‘APF-190T’.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of fruit produced on a primocane taken in Augustnear Clarksville, Ark. of ‘APF-190T’.

FIG. 5 is a photograph taken in June showing the abaxial (lower) andadaxial (upper) sides of primocane leaves of ‘APF-190T’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CULTIVAR ‘APF-190T’

Plants and fruit of this new cultivar differ phenotypically from itsparents. The new cultivar fruits on primocanes, and female parentA-2293T is floricane fruiting. The new cultivar is more productive andhas larger fruit than male parent APF-49T. Although blackberries (Rubussubgenus Rubus Watson) are highly heterogeneous and outcrossing, andmost clones contain genes from more than one species, the new cultivarand its progenitor lines phenotypically exhibit characters predominatelyof the erect eastern United States species, Rubus allegheniensis Porter(highbush blackberry).

Plants of the new cultivar are vigorous and prolific and rowestablishment following planting is rapid. Both primocanes andfloricanes are erect in growth habit. The canes are best managed iftrained to a hedgerow and a trellis with supporting wires used toprevent canes from falling over due to wind or heavy fruit loads. Theplants are thornless. Plants and fruit are moderately resistant toanthracnose [Elsinoe veneta (Burkh.) Jenkins], and plants have shown noevidence of susceptibility to orange rust [Gymnoconia nitens (Schwein.)F. Kern and H. W. Thurston.]. No screening has been done for resistanceto double blossom/rosette [Cercosporella rubi (Wint.) Plakidas].

The floricane bloom period of the new cultivar begins on 2 May, comparedto 24 April for ‘APF-45’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,449) and is comparablein length compared to ‘APF-45’. Primocane bloom period begins 20 Junecompared to 30 June for ‘APF-45’.

Floricane fruit of the new cultivar begins ripening 7 June, 6 days laterthan ‘APF-45’, and has a comparable fruiting period of about 39 dayscompared to ‘APF 45’ of 40 days. Primocane first ripe fruit date was 30of July on tipped primocanes and ripened earlier than ‘APF-45’ of 8August. Primocane fruit harvest can continue until harvest withappropriate environmental conditions, the most important beingtemperatures below 32° C. (90° F.).

Fruit yields of the new cultivar on floricanes are usually 1.4 kg/plant(3.1 lb) if the floricanes are retained for fruiting, compared to 1.8kg/plant (4.0 lb) for ‘APF-45’ in West-Central Arkansas. Fruit yields ofthe cultivar on primocanes in West-Central Arkansas average 0.6 kg (1.3lb/plant) compared to 0.8 kg (1.8 lb/plant) for ‘APF-45’. Primocaneyields in Watsonville, Calif. average 4-5.5 kg/plant (8.8 to 12.1 lb).

The fruit is conical elongated to blocky in shape, bright glossy blackin color, and very attractive. The floricane fruit is large (6.7-7.5 g).Primocane fruit in West-Central Arkansas of the new cultivar averaged4.7-7.2 g/berry while ‘APF-45’ averaged 5.7-7.3 g/berry, and inWatsonville, Calif. averaged 7.0 g/berry. Storage (shipping) potentialof fresh fruit of the new cultivar is comparable to that of ‘APF-45’.

The fresh fruit rates very good in flavor, comparable to ‘APF-45’,higher than for ‘Natchez’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,891), but not as highas for ‘Ouachita’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,162). The flavor is sweet andsub-acid, with a distinct blackberry aroma. The soluble solidsconcentration averages 9.7 to 10.5% on shiny black fruit harvested fromfloricanes but can extend to 13.2% for primocane fruit. Floricane fruitand flower clusters are medium-large, cymose, and are mostly borne onthe periphery of the plant canopy, providing easy access to harvest.Flower fertility is high and clusters are well filled.

Primocane fruit and flowers are borne on the cane terminus or on lateralbranches if primocanes are tipped, and fruiting continues down theprimocane during the season. Canes usually attain a length of 1.5 to 1.8m (4-5 ft) prior to the appearance of flower buds. The number of nodesdown the cane that develop flowers is largely dependent on the lengthand conditions of the late summer to fall growing period.

The following is a detailed description of the botanical and pomologicalcharacteristics of the subject blackberry. Color data are presented inRoyal Horticultural Society Colour Chart designations (1986 2ndedition). Where dimensions, sizes, colors, and other characteristics aregiven, it is to be understood that such characteristics areapproximations of averages set forth as accurately as practicable.

Plants used for botanical data were three years old and grown on a finesandy loam soil with trickle irrigation near Clarksville, Ark. Theplants were fertilized near budbreak (late March on average) withcomplete or nitrogen fertilizer, and had an additional nitrogenfertilizer application in early July. Primocanes were tipped atapproximately 1.35 m (53 inches), and grown in a hedgerow trainingsystem. Weeds were controlled with pre- and postemergence herbicidessupplemented with mechanical weed control activities. A singleapplication of liquid lime sulfur was applied to the plants at budbreak,but no other fungicides were used. The descriptions reported herein arefrom specimens grown near Clarksville, Ark. unless otherwise noted.

-   Plant:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Plants are grown in a hedgerow and primocanes            tipped at approx. 135 cm; plants in this system range in            size from approx. 135-140 cm tall and 91-102 cm wide.        -   Growth habit.—Moderate vigor, canes erect; suckers primarily            from the crown.        -   Growth rate.—First emergence of primocanes is 5 April and            primocanes reach tipping height (135 cm) approximately 24            May.        -   Productivity.—Floricane — 1.1 kg/plant (2.4 lb) compared to            1.3 kg/plant (2.9 lb) for ‘APF-45’. Primocane — 0.6 kg/plant            (1.3 lb), compared to 0.8 kg/plant (1.8 lb) for ‘APF-45’ but            in Watsonville, Calif. achieves 5.5 kg/plant (12.1 lb).        -   Cold hardiness.—Hardy to −13-−15° C. (4-8° F.) or lower,            comparable to ‘APF-45’.        -   Canes.—Thornless, erect. Floricane (dormant or winter cane):            Cane diameter: base 1.60 cm; midpoint 1.34 cm; terminal            0.99 cm. Internode length: base 8.96 cm; midpoint 6.31 cm;            terminal 5.07 cm. Floricane color: base Yellow-green group            146-B; midpoint Yellow-green group 146-B; terminus            Yellow-green group 146-C. Primocane (current-season cane):            Cane diameter: base 1.67 cm; midpoint 1.29 cm; terminal            0.70 cm. Internode length: base 5.09 cm; midpoint 6.44 cm;            terminal 3.15 cm. Primocane color: base Yellow-green group            144-A; midpoint Yellow-green group 144-A; terminus            Yellow-green group 144-A. Anthocyanin coloration seen only            on young shoot tips of lateral branches. Date of primocane            emergence: 5 April. Lateral branching after tipping            (measured at the end of growing season): Average number of            lateral branches: 9.8; distribution primarily in the top            half of the cane.        -   Disease resistance.—Moderate resistance to anthracnose, and            plants appear. Not susceptible to orange rust. No screening            has been done for resistance to double blossom/rosette.-   Foliage:    -   -   Leaf bud burst.—Medium bud burst for ‘APF-190’ averaged            February 24 and this bud burst is considered medium.        -   Floricane.—Leaves: Medium; mature compound leaf width 14.25            cm; length 10.08 cm. Glossiness abaxial: dull, no            pubescence; adaxial: dull, no pubescence. Shape: palmate.            Leaflet: Width 6.53 cm; Length 8.68 cm; Shape: ovate with            acute apex and subcordate base; margin serrated; serration            teeth length: 0.58 cm and width at base: 0.60 cm;            pubescence: very light (older) to medium (younger) depending            on age; pubescence on abaxial surface only on veins and none            on the adaxial surface; number of leaflets per compound            leaf: 3. Color: Base abaxial: Green Group (137A); adaxial:            Green Group (137D); Midpoint abaxial: Green Group (137A);            adaxial: Green Group (137D); Terminal abaxial: Green Group            (137A); adaxial: Green Group (137D). Petioles: Length: 6.29            cm; Color: Yellow-Green Group (145A); texture: slightly            bumpy; moderate pubescence. Petiolules: Length: 1.52 cm;            Color: Grayed-orange (176B); texture: slightly bumpy on            adaxial side; moderate pubescence. Stipules: Length 1.63 cm;            width: 0.36 cm. Shape: Overall: deltoid; apex: acute;            margin: entire (smooth); base: truncate. Texture: Abaxial:            heavy pubescence; adaxial: heavy pubescence. Color: Abaxial:            Green-group 137D; adaxial: Green-group 138D.        -   Primocane.—Leaves: Large; mature compound leaf width 25.86            cm; length 22.44 cm. Shape: Palmate. Glossiness: Abaxial:            low to no gloss; adaxial: moderately glossy when young,            loses gloss as it matures. Leaflet: Width 10.22 cm; length:            12.87 cm; shape: ovate with acute apex and cordate base;            margin: serrated; serration teeth length: 0.63 cm; width at            base: 0.58 cm; pubescence: present on abaxial surface only            on veins, light to none on adaxial surface; number of            leaflets per compound leaf: 5. Color: base abaxial Green            Group (137C); adaxial Green Group (137A); midpoint abaxial            Green Group (137C); adaxial Green Group (137A); terminal            abaxial Green Group (137C); adaxial Green Group (137A).            Petioles: Length 6.78 cm; color: mix of Yellow-green Group            (145A) and Greyed-orange group 176B; texture: light            pubescence. Petiolules: Length 3.47 cm; color abaxial:            Yellow-green Group (145A); adaxial: Greyed-orange Group            176B; texture: light pubescence. Stipules: Length 0.82 cm;            width: 0.62 cm. Shape: Overall: lanceolate; apex: acuminate;            margin: entire (smooth). Base: truncate. Texture: Abaxial:            heavy pubescence; adaxial: heavy pubescence. Color: Abaxial:            Green-group 137D; adaxial: Green-group 138D.-   Flowers:    -   -   Floricane.—Date of bloom: 10% bloom 2 May, compared to 24            April for ‘APF-45’; 50% bloom 6 May compared to ‘APF-45’ 2            May. Petal color: Abaxial: White Group (155D); adaxial:            White Group 155-D.        -   Reproductive organs.—Stamens — erect, numerous. Pistils —            numerous. Pollen — normal, fertile, and abundant. Flower            diameter: 3.99 cm. Flower depth: 1.26 cm. Petal size: Length            2.05 cm; width 1.70 cm. Petal Shape: Apex: rounded; margin:            entire (smooth); base: acuminate. Petal Texture: Abaxial: no            pubescence; adaxial; no pubescence. Average number flowers            per cluster: 3.4. Average number of petals per flower: 5.            Sepals: Length 1.39 cm; width: 0.53 cm. Sepals shape:            Overall: deltoid; apex: acute; margin: entire (smooth);            base: truncate. Sepals texture: Abaxial: heavy pubescence;            adaxial: heavy pubescence. Sepals color: Abaxial:            Green-group 138D; adaxial: Green-group 137D. Number of            sepals per flower: 5. Pedicle length: 4.27 cm; Color:            Yellow-green Group 145A; texture: heavy pubescence. Peduncle            size: length: 2.05 cm; width: 1.70 cm. Peduncle color: Green            Group (143C). Cyme type: Elongated compound cyme; Length:            11.62 cm.        -   Primocanes.—Date of bloom: First bloom 20 June compared to            30 of June for ‘APF-45’, and can extend until frost            depending on environment and cultural management. Petal            color: Abaxial: White Group (155D); adaxial: White Group            155-D. Reproductive organs: Stamens — numerous. Pistils —            numerous. Pollen — fertile and abundant unless temperatures            exceed 32° C. (90° F.) at which temperature can damage            flowers including anthers and pollen production can be            reduced. Flower diameter: 2.88 cm. Petal size: Length: 1.69            cm; width: 1.14 cm. Petal Shape: Apex: rounded; margin:            entire (smooth); base: curveate. Petal Texture: Abaxial: no            pubescence; adaxial; no pubescence. Average number flowers            per cluster: 19.2. Average number of petals per flower: 5.4.            Sepals: Length: 0.82 cm; width: 0.62 cm. Sepals shape:            Overall: lanceolate; apex: acuminate; margin: entire            (smooth); base: truncate. Sepals texture: Abaxial: heavy            pubescence; adaxial: heavy pubescence. Sepals color:            Abaxial: Green-group 137D; adaxial: Green-group 138D. Number            of sepals per flower: 5. Pedicle length: 3.48 cm; Color:            Green Group 137D; texture: heavy pubescence. Peduncle size:            length: 4.99 cm; width: 1.68 cm. Peduncle color: Green Group            137C. Cyme type: Elongated cyme; Length: 14.86 cm.-   Fruit:    -   -   Floricane.—Maturity — Average first ripe date 7 June, 6 days            later than ‘APF-45’, and has a comparable fruiting period of            about 39 days compared to ‘APF 45’ of 40 days. Size: Large,            average 6.7-7.5 g. Diameter of fruit at primary position on            inflorescence: equator 2.19 cm; base pole 1.43 cm; terminal            pole 1.89 cm. Diameter of fruit at secondary positions on            inflorescence: equator 2.10 cm; base pole 1.72 cm; terminal            pole 1.17 cm. Length (primary fruit): 3.37 cm. Length            (secondary fruit): 2.82 cm. Length (tertiary fruit):            2.28 cm. Shape: conical elongated to blocky. Color: Black            Group (202A). Drupelet size: 0.52 cm. Drupelets per            berry: 96. Seed size: Length: 3.89 mm; width: 2.45 mm. Seed            weight: Wet: 8.5 mg; dry: 3.28 mg. Seed color: Wet:            Grayed-orange 165B; dry: Grayed-yellow 161B. Soluble solids:            9.7-10.5% on shiny black fruit. pH: 3.2-3.4. Acidity: 0.8 to            0.9% citric acid. Processed quality: Not evaluated for            processing. Uses: Local or commercial shipping markets as it            has good handling potential and postharvest storage            performance for shipping. Postharvest evaluations for            floricane fruits stored for 7 days at 5° C., 80% relative            humidity indicated good performance for ‘APF-190T’.            Evaluations indicated ‘APF-190T’ storage potential was            similar to industry standards ‘Ouachita’, (U.S. Plant Pat.            No. 17,162) and (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,449) ‘Prime-Ark®            45’. Percent of berries with red drupe, percent soft berries            and percent berries with leak among these three cultivars            were similar and resulted in longer storage than the            commercial standard ‘Tupy’.        -   Primocane.—Maturity — First ripe fruit date 30 of July on            tipped primocanes and ripens earlier than ‘APF-45’ of 8            August and can fruit until frost depending on environment            and cultural management. Size: Medium, 4.7 to 7.2 g/berry.            Diameter of fruit at primary position on inflorescence:            equator 2.20 cm; base pole 1.91 cm; terminal pole 1.20 cm.            Diameter of fruit at secondary positions on inflorescence:            equator 2.01 cm; base pole 1.71 cm; terminal pole 0.99 cm.            Length (primary fruit): 2.47 cm. Length (secondary fruit):            2.12 cm. Length (tertiary fruit): 1.97 cm. Shape: conical            elongated to blocky. Color: Black Group (202A). Drupelet            size: 0.53 cm. Drupelets per berry: 68. Seed size: Length:            4.19 mm; width: 2.77 mm. Seed weight: Wet: 9.3 mg; dry: 5.4            mg. Seed color: Wet: Grayed-orange 167C; dry: Grayed-orange            164D. Soluble solids: 9.7 to 10.5%. pH: 3.3 to 3.4. Acidity:            0.5 to 0.9% citric acid. Processed quality: Not evaluated            for processing. Uses — Local or commercial shipping markets            as it has good handling potential and postharvest storage            performance for shipping.        -   The cultivar.—The most distinctive features of the cultivar            are early ripening, medium to large fruit with consistent            shape and size with good quality, thornless canes with            excellent plant health, and primocane-fruiting habit.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named‘APF-190T’, substantially as illustrated and described.